Our History

 The Journey of Noah’s Ark Pre-School and Daycare Centre

A Story of Faith, Community, and Growth

In the early 1990s, within the close-knit community of Amanzimtoti on South Africa’s beautiful South Coast, a vision was born – a vision rooted in faith, service, and a deep love for children.

In 1991, the leadership of Amanzimtoti Baptist Church prayerfully discerned a calling to establish a preschool that would nurture young hearts and minds within a Christian environment.

With careful planning and faithful provision, construction began in 1991 on a space designed to serve both as a place of worship and a centre for early childhood learning. The church hall became the birthplace of what would soon grow into a cherished community institution.

Central to this vision was Gillian, the pastor’s wife, a passionate educator whose faith and dedication gave life to the project. Inspired by the biblical account of Noah’s Ark -a symbol of protection, care, and new beginnings -the preschool was named Noah’s Ark.

Gillian became the school’s first Principal, guiding its early years with compassion, courage, and unwavering commitment.

On the 4 August 1992, Noah’s Ark Pre-School officially opened its doors. Beginning modestly, the school quickly became a trusted place for families in the community. Enrolment steadily grew to approximately 30 learners, each embarking on a journey of discovery within a nurturing, Christian-centred environment. As seasons changed, so too did leadership.

In late 1998, Pastor Dave and the Stemmet family responded to a call to Bellville Baptist Church, marking the close of an important chapter in the school’s story. Yet the strong foundation they had laid ensured that Noah’s Ark continued to flourish. Throughout the early 2000s, under new leadership, the school remained faithful to its mission.

Noah’s Ark became widely recognised not only as a preschool, but as a place where children were nurtured spiritually, academically, emotionally, and socially within a caring community.

A significant milestone came in 2010 with the appointment of Nadia Haylock as Principal. Under her leadership, the school experienced curriculum development and growth, aligning with KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education standards while incorporating The Gospel Project. This ensured a balanced approach to education-preparing children academically while grounding them firmly in biblical truth.

During this time, the school expanded to welcome children from three months of age through to Grade R, supported by qualified teachers and devoted assistants. Over the years,

Noah’s Ark has grown into far more than a school. It is a place filled with laughter, learning, and purpose – where play and discovery are woven into each day. Parents often remark on the deep care shown by staff, who not only teach but lovingly guide each child, nurturing confidence, character, and a sense of belonging.

Today, Noah’s Ark Pre-School and Daycare Centre stands as a testament to what faith-filled beginnings can become.

Registered with the Department of Education and firmly rooted in Christian values, the Centre continues to provide high­quality care and education from infancy to Grade R. Actively engaged with its community, the school celebrates its journey through shared moments, milestones, and memories.

From its first classroom in a church hall to the thriving centre it is today, Noah’s Ark continues to live out the belief that teaching is more than a profession – it is a calling. With every child who passes through its doors, the legacy of faith, love, and learning grows ever stronger.